Work placements build confidence

When I first came to the Freedom Centre I was very nervous and anxious. I was shy around people and lacked confidence. I had only worked on a 1 - 1 basis before and then at the Freedom Centre I had to work as part of a team. However, the team members - especially Alice the Kitchen Manager - were very welcoming and friendly. Alice explained everything to me clearly.

I have learnt many new skills through my work placement, including making soups which I wasn't able to do before. I can also help with main courses now and I remember the preferences of individual clients. Alice asked me to come in and cover for her when she was absent which encouraged me lots. Originally I came to the Freedom Centre on a work placement from PLUSS, but I chose to return as a volunteer after the placement finished, so I've worked a total of 475 volunteer hours with them on top of my placement hours - I guess that shows how much I enjoyed being there!

Last week I had a ‘working interview’ whilst volunteering in Freedom's kitchen. It involved a manager from the potential employer coming to see my work and as a result, I was offered the job which I start next week!

I feel so much more confident around people thanks to my time working at Freedom. I'm able to interact with a team and ask questions if I need to, so I feel much more confident about what I have to offer an employer too.

The experience of working in a busy kitchen not only increased my self-esteem, but it definitely played a big part in me getting paid employment in an area that I am interested in too.

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Each year, our Day Centre Helps around 1,000 people with all sorts of problems, from mental health issues to finding work, homelessness to budgeting. Watch some clips of the stories we've seen this year and keep this access free for those who need it

Each year, our Day Centre Helps around 1,000 people with all sorts of problems, from mental health issues to finding work, homelessness to budgeting. Watch some of the stories we've seen this year and keep this free for those who need it.

We are not prepared to see vulnerable people homeless on the streets and we believe that everyone has a right to a stable, secure and decent home. We are looking for supporters who believe the same and who will help us to raise the money we need to furnish and equip this house to a good standard. Will you help?

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Each year, our Day Centre Helps around 1,000 people with all sorts of problems, from mental health issues to finding work, homelessness to budgeting. Watch some clips of the stories we've seen this year and keep this access free for those who need it

Each year, our Day Centre Helps around 1,000 people with all sorts of problems, from mental health issues to finding work, homelessness to budgeting. Watch some clips of the stories we've seen this year and keep this access free for those who need it

There are lots of misconceptions about how and why people find themselves in difficult situations such as being homeless, battling addiction, without work or unable to put food on the table. Here you'll find the facts.